Highlighting the good that can be achieved by working across party lines. 

The news is dominated by stories of Republicans and Democrats fighting in Washington and in our state capitol. These stories paint a picture of constant fighting and undermining that drives the two parties further apart by cultivating what appears to be deep hatred between them. This limits compromise and results in the gridlock that is portrayed. However, the truth is often different from what is commonly presented in the news. I find myself working with all senators, regardless of party, to achieve a better and brighter Missouri.  

This isn’t to say there are no differences between the two parties. These differences are important. I disagree with the vision Democrats have of Missouri and America; that is why I am a conservative. But that doesn’t mean that I believe Democrats are evil. It just means I don’t think their plans and policies are the best choice to see Missouri succeed.  

In fact, there have been many times when Republicans and Democrats have been able to work together in the Missouri Senate for a common purpose. We agree on major issues facing our state, though our strategies may differ. It would be surprising to many people, I think, to note how many times we collaborate across party lines to make different bills and amendments better.   

Of course, there are some issues that come before the Missouri Senate that do not break down along all ideological lines. There are so many different perspectives on topics like public schools vs. private schools or commercial agriculture vs. family farmers. There are even various viewpoints between regional boundaries. For example, some people in southwest Missouri have different views on utility policy than people in St. Louis. These different divides lead to different coalitions on issues. But it is not just Democrats vs. Republicans; it is much more complicated with many individuals banding together across party lines to achieve a common goal.  

One of the best examples of this is the Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA), which was first passed in 1991. The FRA is a funding mechanism that allows the state to draw more of the federal tax dollars we already send to Washington back home to fund our health care system. This bill is renewed every couple of years and designates more than $4 billion in Medicaid funding to reimburse Missouri’s care organizations that see Medicaid patients. This year, legislation participated in the renewal of this important funding for our rural hospitals, nursing facilities, pharmacies, and ground ambulance services. Both parties agree that funding our health care system, supporting our hospitals, and keeping vital government services like ambulances and nursing homes open is critical for the success of Missouri. By working together, we have been able to pass this important piece of legislation several times over the past couple of decades.  

The debate on this issue is often long and tiring, but by working together with colleagues across the aisle, we are able to keep our medical system running. It is especially critical for our rural hospitals who rely on this bill to stay open.  

When we work across party lines, come together, and find a common purpose on what is best to move Missouri forward, we show all our constituents that it is not any party moniker that matters. It is not red America or blue America that matters. Instead, it is what is best for all Americans that matters. 

Sen. Mike Bernskoetter took office in 2019, serving the 6th Senatorial District. Before being elected to the Missouri Senate, he served as a representative for the 59th District in the Missouri House of Representatives.